Simulation device for training equipment for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a simulation device ( 110 ) concerning a ground vehicle comprising a vehicle model ( 115 ) comprising a predetermined number of function models ( 130   b;    131   b;    132   b ) for simulation of corresponding physical function elements ( 130   a;    131   a;    132   a ) of said vehicle. Said function models ( 130   a;    131   b;    132   b ) are based on vehicle characteristics determined in connection to development and manufacturing of said vehicle and hereby on real characteristics of the physical vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product comprising a program code (P) for a computer ( 110; 300 ).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a U.S. National Phase patent application of PCT/SE2011/050295,filed Mar. 18, 2011, which claims priority to the Swedish PatentApplication No. 1050250-8, filed Mar. 18, 2010, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference in the present disclosure in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a simulation device for trainingequipment for a ground vehicle. The invention also relates to a computerprogram and a computer program product comprising a program code for asimulation device for training equipment for a ground vehicle.

BACKGROUND

In the field of simulation equipment for training for training equipmenta number of different ways of providing training equipment exist todayfor e.g. operators of military vehicles. By providing training equipmentpersonnel of different kinds may practice in driving and handlingvehicles being relatively expensive to practice on in reality. Vehiclessuitable for such simulation equipments may comprise military vehicles,such as e.g. tanks or combat vehicles.

Today virtual vehicles are used as models for real vehicles. Thesevirtual vehicles are basically general vehicle models comprisingdifferent subsystems, such as e.g. an arbitrary number of wheels,engine, gear box, etc. These vehicle models are among others used in thegame industry for facilitating fairly realistic game experiences forusers of games where vehicles are included. The virtual vehicles arehowever associated with certain deficiencies, which in turn depend on tohigh costs for providing more accurate models. Virtual vehicles of thiskind fill its function so far as providing satisfactory performanceregarding the experienced vehicle dynamics for a player.

Another kind of virtual vehicles are based on data registered in realvehicles during drive. In these models also a general model in whichcertain parameters may be changed for providing a desired performance ofthe virtual vehicle.

By performing a so called “reversed engineering” of an existing vehicleto be simulated the existing vehicle may be post created as a virtualvehicle. Theses virtual vehicles are of fairly high quality. Adisadvantage with this method is however that it takes very long time tomodel the existing vehicle as a vehicle model, which of course is costlyand complex. In certain cases it is even so that it may take as longtime to create a virtual vehicle as a model of a real vehicle as itwould have taken to develop the real vehicle.

Companies developing virtual vehicles today to model real vehiclesprovide updating packages and all kinds of services associated withmaintenance and education. For a purchaser of vehicles, such as e.g.military vehicles, this may be costly and inefficient since vehiclescontinuously develop to improve performance thereof. Not least delays ineducation by means of training equipment of purchasers of vehicles sincein practice it takes relatively long time to perform a “reversedengineering” of the updated real vehicles for providing a correspondingupdated virtual vehicle.

Different purchasers of vehicles have different needs of trainingequipment for their vehicles. Generally it can be said that a simulationenvironment which is realistic may result in a better concept of realityand thereby better training results. However, a training equipmenthaving so many physical function elements may be costly, wherefore themost relevant function elements, such as e.g. gas trigger and steeringmember, are used to be used at a user terminal where training personnelare present.

Since different simulated exercises have different purposes needs ofdifferent specific physical function elements use to vary. The physicalfunction elements being suitable for certain simulated exercises may beunnecessary for other types of simulation exercises.

A disadvantage with the training systems existing today is that theycomprise statistical vehicle models being time consuming and costly toupdate. Further it is difficult or impossible today to integratedifferent types of physical function elements in training equipments ina user friendly way.

There is thus a need to provide a simulation device for trainingequipment providing a higher degree of flexibility and versatility for auser, such as a purchaser of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and advantageoussimulation device for training equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a more versatilesimulation device for training equipment.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a new andadvantageous computer program for a simulation device for trainingequipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a more versatile computerprogram for a simulation device for training equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vehicle modelfacilitating improved simulations by means of training equipment forvehicles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a computerprogram and a computer program product facilitating improved simulationsby means of training equipment for vehicles.

These objects are achieved with a simulation device for trainingequipment according to claim 1.

According to an aspect of the invention a simulation device for trainingequipment for a real ground vehicle is provided comprising a vehiclemodel including a predetermined number of function models for simulationof corresponding physical function elements of said vehicle. Thesimulation device comprises arrangements for storing of a vehicle modeldeveloped at the development and manufacturing of the vehicle, thevehicle characteristics of the function models of the vehicle modelbeing based on real characteristics of the function element of thephysical vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention a simulation device for trainingequipment for a real ground vehicle is provided, comprising a vehiclemodel including a predetermined number of function models for simulationof corresponding physical function elements of said vehicle, saidfunction models being based on vehicle characteristics in connection todevelopment and manufacturing of said vehicle and hereby on realcharacteristics of the physical vehicle.

Through continuous use of the real vehicle characteristics atdevelopment of the vehicle a vehicle model may be ready for simulationuse when the vehicle is ready. By providing arrangements for storage ofthe vehicle model in the simulation device this may be continuouslyupdated and refined in desired extent such that an even more reliabletraining equipment may be provided.

It is possible to sense and signal that a determined function element isengaged to the simulation device according to the invention. This mayaccording to an example occur through called strappings in theconnector, by means of which function elements are engaged. An electriccircuit is closed, which may be sensed and signalled in order toeffectuate deactivation. This may according to another example occurthrough continuous contact with and sensing by means of a data bus of anetwork for signalling an engagement of a function element withsubsequent deactivation. Disengagement of a determined function elementis performed in a corresponding way providing reactivation.

The simulation device may further comprise an interface between saidsince the vehicle model according to the invention is based on functionmodels being developed during development of the real vehicle animproved vehicle model may be provided. This function model comprisesfunction models of corresponding function elements of the real vehicle,which function models are the most thorough existing and beingavailable.

Use of corresponding function models having been developed through socalled “reversed engineering” generally give worse simulationperformance than for the function models having been developed duringdevelopment of the real vehicle.

Further the invention has the advantage that only a very precise vehiclemodel may be provided at a much earlier stage than if a correspondingvehicle model would have been developed afterwards.

According to an aspect of the invention a simulation device concerning aground vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle model including apredetermined number of vehicle models for simulation of correspondingphysical function elements of said vehicle. Said function models arebased on vehicle characteristics in connection to development andmanufacturing of said vehicle and hereby on real characteristics of thephysical vehicle.

Said vehicle characteristics may reproduce real sets of values of saidcharacteristics including parameters.

Said vehicle characteristics may be accessability in terrain, which maybe based on parameters such as e.g. ground properties, shape of thechassis of the vehicle, type of tires or tracks of the vehicle, centreof gravity position of the vehicle, weight of the vehicle, type of wheelsuspension of the vehicle, type of band stand of the vehicle, springproperties of the vehicle, type of damper of the vehicle, function forsemi-active damping of the vehicle, etc.

Said vehicle characteristics may be associated with a direction systemfor a tower of the vehicle, which may be based on parameters such ase.g. type of direction handle, servo design, choice of direction motors,weight of the tower, centre of gravity position of the tower etc.

Said function element may comprise any function element being chosenfrom a group comprising engine, gearbox, control system and weaponssystem.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program for asimulation device for training equipment for a real ground vehicle isprovided, the simulation model comprising a vehicle model including apredetermined number of function models for simulation of correspondingphysical function elements of said vehicle and arrangements for engagingphysical function elements to the simulation device, said computerprogram comprising program code stored on a, by a computer readable,medium for causing, when it is run on a computer, the simulation deviceto perform the steps of:

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element at engagement of corresponding physical function element        to the simulation device, and to    -   reactivate the deactivated function model at disengagement of        said engaged function element,        said function models being based on vehicle characteristics        determined in connection to development and manufacturing of        said vehicle and hereby on real characteristics of the physical        vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program for asimulation device for training equipment for a real ground vehicle isprovided, the simulation model comprising a function model including apredetermined number of function models for simulation of correspondingphysical function elements of said vehicle and devices for engagingphysical function elements to the simulation device, said computerprogram comprising program code stored on a, by a computer readable,medium for causing, when run on a computer, the simulation device toperform the steps of:

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element at engagement of corresponding physical function element        to the simulation device, and to    -   reactivate the deactivated function model at disengagement of        said engaged function element, said function models being based        on vehicle characteristics determined in connection to        development and manufacturing of said vehicle and hereby on real        characteristics of the physical vehicle.

For said computer program said vehicle characteristics may representreal sets of values of parameters comprised in said characteristics.

For said computer program said function elements comprises any functionelement being chosen from a group comprising engine, gear box, controlsystem and weapons system.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program product isprovided comprising a program code stored on a, by a computer readable,medium for performing, when run on a computer of a simulation device fortraining for a real ground vehicle, said simulation model comprising avehicle model including a predetermined number of function models forsimulation of corresponding physical function elements of said vehicleand arrangements for engaging physical function elements to thesimulation device, the method steps of

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element at engagement of corresponding physical function element        to the simulation device, and to    -   reactivate the deactivated function model at disengagement of        said engaged function element, when said computer program is run        on the simulation unit,        said function models being based on vehicle characteristics        determined in connection to development and manufacturing of        said vehicle and hereby on real characteristics of the physical        vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program productcomprising a program code stored on a, by a computer readable, mediumfor performing, in a simulation device for training equipment for a realground vehicle, said simulation model comprising a vehicle modelcomprising a predetermined number of function models for simulation ofcorresponding physical function elements of said vehicle andarrangements for engaging physical function elements to the simulation,the method steps of:

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element at engagement of corresponding physical function        elements to the simulation device, and to        reactivate the deactivated function model at disengagement of        said engaged function element, when said computer program is run        on the simulation device, said function models being based on        vehicle characteristics determined in connection to development        and manufacturing of said vehicle and hereby on real        characteristics of the physical vehicle.

For said computer program said vehicle characteristics may representreal sets of values of parameters comprised in said characteristics.

For said computer program said function elements may comprise anyfunction element being chosen from a group comprising engine, gear box,control system and weapons system.

According to an aspect of the invention a simulation device for trainingequipment for a real ground vehicle is provided, comprising

-   -   a vehicle model comprising a predetermined number of function        models for simulation of corresponding physical function        elements of said vehicle and arrangements for engaging physical        function elements to the simulation device. The simulation        device is arranged such that a function model concerning a        determined function element is intended to be deactivated at        engagement of corresponding physical function elements and such        that the deactivated function model is reactivated at        disengagement of said engaged function element.

The simulation device may further comprise an interface between saidengaged physical function element and the simulation device. Theinterface between said engaged physical function element and thesimulation device may be a serial CAN-interface. By providing a serialCAN-interface for training equipment a well defined framework forfacilitating a flexible and dynamic platform for training equipment isprovided where different distributors of function elements may cooperatein a cost efficient way. The interface between said engaged physicalfunction element and the simulation device may be a serial, analogue ordigital interface. Examples on interfaces between said engaged physicalfunction elements and the simulation device may be Ethernet, RS232,RS422 or RS485.

The number of engageable physical function elements may be arbitrary. Inthis way a versatile training equipment for vehicles is provided where auser may chose practically any function elements having a correspondencein the real vehicle to be simulated by means of a vehicle model in thesimulation device according to an aspect of the invention.

Said physical function element may be chosen from the group comprisingmeasuring in equipment, steering member, such as e.g. a wheel or ajoystick, periscope, gear shifting member, instrument panel and tower ofa military vehicle.

The simulation device may be engageable to a user terminal for personnelto be trained by means of the simulation device. The function elementsbeing engaged are preferably present at the user terminal for practicaluse thereof.

The simulation device may be engageable to an instructor unit. Theinstructor unit facilitates initiation, command, monitoring andevaluation of different simulated scenarios comprising at least avirtual ground vehicle.

The simulation device may be engageable to a second simulation unitcomprising an environment model. The environment model provides avirtual environment, in which different simulated scenarios comprisingat least a virtual ground vehicle take place.

The simulation device may be engageable to a second simulation unitcomprising an actor model. The actor model provides and administrates anarbitrary number of units, such as fictitious hostile vehicles ortroops, civil vehicles or civil persons for different simulationscenarios where the at least one ground vehicle participates.

The simulation device may further comprise an interface between saidsecond simulation unit and the simulation device. The interface may beHLA. By providing HLA-standard for training equipment for trainingequipment a well defined framework for facilitating a flexible anddynamic platform for training equipment in a cost efficient way isprovided.

The second simulation unit may comprise an interface between said secondsimulation unit and the instructor unit. The interface may be HLA. Byproviding HLA-standard for training equipment a well defined frameworkfor facilitating a flexible and dynamic platform for training equipmentin a cost efficient way is provided.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program for asimulation device for training equipment for a ground vehicle isprovided, the simulation device comprising a vehicle model including apredetermined number of function models for simulation of correspondingphysical function elements of said vehicles and arrangements forengaging physical function elements to the simulation device, saidcomputer program comprising program code stored on a, by a computerreadable, medium for causing the simulation device to perform the stepsof:

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element at engagement of corresponding physical function element        to the simulation device, and to    -   reactivate the deactivated function model at disengagement of        said engaged function element.

According to an aspect of the invention a computer program productcomprising a program code stored on a, by a computer readable, mediumfor performing, when run on a computer of a simulation device fortraining for a real ground vehicle, said simulation model comprising avehicle model comprising a predetermined number of function models forsimulation of corresponding physical function elements of said vehicleand arrangements for engaging physical function elements to thesimulation device, the method steps of

-   -   deactivating a function model concerning a determined function        element during engagement of corresponding physical function        element to the simulation device, and to    -   reactivate the deactivated function model during disengagement        of said engaged function element, when said computer program is        run on the simulation unit.

Software for a simulation device for training equipment according to theinvention may be installed in a computer during manufacturing of thereal vehicle. A purchaser of the vehicle may thus get the possibility topurchase the simulation device with a vehicle model stored therein,which vehicle model is developed at the same time as the vehicle. Apurchaser of the vehicle may thus in a favourable way get access to asimulated model of the vehicle in a very early stadium, compared to if a“reverse engineering” first has to be provided in for creating a vehiclemodel of the vehicle purchased.

The invention thus provides a cost efficient solution to the above givenproblems.

Software comprising program code for vehicle simulation may easily beupdated or changed. Further, different parts of the software comprisingfunction models corresponding to different physical function elements,such as e.g. subsystems or components of the real vehicle may bereplaced independent of each other. This modular configuration isadvantageous from a maintenance perspective.

Further objective, advantages and new features of the present inventionwill appear for the skilled person from the following details, as wellas via exercising of the invention. While the invention is disclosedbelow it should be apparent that the invention is not limited to thespecific details described. Skilled persons having access to theteaching herein will recognize further applications, modifications andincorporations within other fields being within the scope of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and furtherobjects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the followingdetailed description to be read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like partsthroughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a training system comprising asimulation device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the simulation device shown in FIG. 1,according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With reference to FIG. 1 a training system 100 is shown being suitablefor education of different categories of personnel intended to work witha ground vehicle, such as a military vehicle. The vehicle may be acombat vehicle or a tank.

A first category of personnel may be carriage crew comprising a carriagechief intended to have the operative responsibility of the vehicle. Thecarriage crew may also comprise a marksman and a driver. A secondcategory of personnel may be maintenance technicians with the task ofmaintaining the vehicle. A third category of personnel may beconstructors of the vehicle, the tasks of which may comprise developingdifferent systems of the vehicle.

Herein the term “link” is referred to as a communication link which maybe a physical line, such as an opto-electronic communication line, or anon-physical line, such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link ormicrowave link.

The training equipment 100 comprises a first simulation unit 110. Thefirst simulation unit 110 is described in more detail below withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The first simulation unit 110 comprises a vehicle model 115. Accordingto an embodiment the vehicle model 115 is a computer program beingstored in a memory in the first simulation unit 110. The vehicle model115 is also denominated as a model for a virtual vehicle. The vehiclemodel 115 comprises a number of function models each being associatedwith a corresponding function element representing a subsystem of thereal vehicle being simulated by means of the vehicle model 115.

The first simulation unit 110 is arranged for communication with asecond simulation unit 120 via a link 129. The second simulation unit120 comprises an environment model 123 which according to an embodimentis constituted by software being stored in a memory in the secondsimulation unit 120. The second simulation unit 120 also comprises anactor model 127 which according to an embodiment is constituted bysoftware being stored in a memory in the second simulation unit 120.

The environment model 123 is a simulation model indicating how afictitious environment for the vehicle to be simulated looks like. Theenvironment model 123 describes e.g. the landscape where the simulatedvehicle acts. In this fictitious landscape altitude contours, type ofterrain, properties of the ground and infrastructure, such as e.g. roadsand buildings are defined. The environment model 123 comprisesinformation about the external environment for the vehicle to besimulated, with which information the training system 100 may provide asimulation environment being as realistic as possible.

The actor model 127 is a simulation model defining a number offictitious units intended to act in the environment model 123. The actormodel 127 is arranged to handle these units within the frame of asimulated scenario desired to be provided with the training equipment100. The actor model 127 may comprise an arbitrary number of fictitiousunits. The fictitious units may be of an arbitrary kind. The fictitiousunits may according to an embodiment represent military vehicles, suchas e.g. tanks, combat vehicles, anti-aircraft gun vehicles, armouredcross-country vehicles, tracked vehicles or an arbitrary combination ofthese.

The actor model 127 is arranged to control drive and effect of thefictitious units for providing a desired and realistic simulationscenario.

An instructor unit 140 is arranged for communication with the secondsimulations unit 120 via a link 149. The instructor unit 140 maycomprise a PC, computer mouse and keyboard, or other suitable unitfacilitating for an instructor to command, supervise, influence andafterwards evaluate a simulation scenario of the training equipment 100.An instructor may thereby in advance build up a scenario to besimulated, such as e.g. a combat exercise. The instructor may alsoinfluence the environment model 123 and/or actor model 127. According toan example the instructor may add or remove one or more units in theactor model 127. In a similar way the instructor may add, remove ormodify altitude contour, type of terrain, properties of the ground andinfrastructure, such as e.g. roads and buildings. The instructor mayalso instruct personnel being trained by means of the training equipment100 prior to or during a simulation by sending commands, such as e.g.order or requests, via the second simulation unit 120.

The first simulation device 110 is arranged for communication with anumber of engageable physical function elements. According to theembodiment being illustrated in FIG. 1 three engageable functionelements 130 a, 131 a and 132 a are provided.

The engageable function elements may be connected to the firstsimulation device 110 via a respective link 139.

The engageable function elements may be function elements being of thesame kind as the ones existing in the real vehicle. Theses functionelements may be provided by manufactures of the real vehicle, or asubcontractor thereto. Alternatively the function elements may be a copyof the function elements being installed in the real vehicle. Accordingto an alternative the engageable function elements may be hardwaremodules providing a desired functionality and which may be a part of thetraining equipment 100 due to financial reasons. According to an examplea function element in the form of a steering wheel may be replaced by aconsiderably cheaper control column, e.g. in the form of a joy-stick.According to another example a function element in the form of a loadunit for ammunition may be replaced with a press button for providingthe functionality to load a fire tube of the fictitious vehicle beingpart of the simulation.

According to the embodiment illustrated the first function element 130 ais an actuator for controlling the fictitious vehicle. These actuators130 a may e.g. be constituted by a steering wheel or control column.

The second function element 131 a is hereby exemplified as a telemeterfor measuring ranges to e.g. a unit being part of the simulationrelative to the fictitious vehicle.

The third function element 132 a is hereby exemplified as a unitcomprising a gas trigger, e.g. in the form of an accelerator pedal, aclutch pedal and a brake pedal.

It should be noted that an arbitrary number of function elements may beconnected to the first simulation unit 110. The function elements aredetachably connected to the first simulation unit 110 via a respectivelink 139. The function elements being connected to the first simulationunit 110 are preferably subsystems having a corresponding subsystem inthe real vehicle to be simulated by means of the vehicle model 115.

The first simulation unit 110 is arranged for communication with a firstuser terminal 150 via a link 159. The first user terminal 150 isaccording to this embodiment arranged with three display units, namely afirst display screen 151, a second display screen 152 and a thirddisplay screen 153. At the first user terminal 150 at least one user ofthe training equipment 100 participating in a simulation comprising thefictitious vehicle is present. The first display screen 151 is arrangedto display a driver panel (instrument panel) of the simulated vehicle,such as e.g. from a periscope, direction means or windows. The seconddisplay screen 152 is arranged to display e.g. block diagrams fordifferent subsystems of the fictitious vehicle. The third display screen153 is arranged to display diagnostic tools for facilitatingsurveillance of how the fictitious vehicle behaves during simulation.

The first user terminal 150 is suitable for use by e.g. developers ofvehicles and maintenance personnel for the real vehicle.

The first simulation unit 110 is also arranged for communication with asecond user terminal 160 via a link 169. The second user terminal 160 isaccording to this embodiment arranged with two display units, namely afirst display screen 161 and a second display screen 162. At the seconduser terminal 160 at least one user of the training equipment 100participating in a simulation comprising the fictitious vehicle ispresent. In practise also the physical function elements being engagedto the first simulation unit 110 may be present at the second userterminal 160.

The first display screen 161 is arranged to display one or more viewsfrom the simulated vehicle, such as e.g. from one or more periscopes,direction means or windows. The second display screen 162 is arranged todisplay one driver panel (instrument panel) and/or graphicalrepresentations for different subsystems of the fictitious vehicle.

The second user terminal 160 is suitable for use of personnel to betrained for driving the real vehicle by means of the training equipment100. According to an example a driver, marksman and/or carriage chiefmay be trained by participating in exercises being simulated by means ofthe training system 100.

The first user terminal 150 and the second user terminal 160 comprisesthe equipment being required for facilitating participation in exercisesby means of the training equipment 100, such as e.g. keyboard, computermouse etc. The display screens being at the first and second user unitsmay be touch screens. It should be noted that the physical functionelement being engaged to the first simulation unit 110 may be present atthe first user terminal 150 for use of a relevant category of personnel.

Even if the first simulation device 110 and the second simulation device120 are described as two separate units they may according to aconfiguration be integrated as one single simulation device comprisingthe vehicle model, the environment model and the actor model.

According to an embodiment the training system 100 comprises a firstsimulation device 110 comprising the vehicle model 115, a secondsimulation device comprising the environment model 123 and a thirdsimulation device comprising the actor model 127.

A skilled person realises that many different simulation scenarios andexercises may be performed by means of the training equipment 100. Itshould also be noted that the training equipment 100 may be configuredin an arbitrary way on the basis of which simulation scenarios andexercises are to be performed. E.g. a number of different user terminalsmay be provided in the case where several vehicle simulations wish to berun. The first simulation unit 110 may thereby comprise a number ofvehicle models for the real vehicle to be simulated. A unique userterminal may be provided for each real vehicle to be simulated with acorresponding vehicle model 115. Thereby a unique set of physicalfunction elements may be engaged to the first simulation unit 110 andplaced at intended user terminal.

According to an embodiment the training system 100 may comprise a numberof first simulations devices 110 with a unique vehicle model 115 storedtherein, wherein a unique set of physical function elements are engagedto each first simulation device and placed at a respective userterminal. The environment model 123 and actor model 127 may be adaptedin a suitable way in the case where several fictitious vehiclerepresenting corresponding real vehicles are to be simulated at the sametime.

With reference to FIG. 2 the first simulation device 110 which also isdescribed with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is shown. The simulationdevice 110 comprises hardware and software as described in furtherdetail with reference to FIG. 3 below.

The simulation device 110 comprises software in the form of the vehiclemodel 115 being stored in a memory of the simulation device 110. Thevehicle model 115 comprises a predetermined number of function modelsconcerning a corresponding determined function element. Each functionmodel is arranged and intended to be deactivated at engagement ofcorresponding physical function elements to the first simulation unit110. Further the deactivated function model is arranged and intended tobe reactivated at disengagement of said engaged function element.

This facilitates engaging an arbitrary physical function element to thefirst simulation unit 110 and using this instead of a correspondingfunction model of the vehicle model 115 during a simulation scenario.

According to an embodiment a function model is provided for eachfunction element of the real vehicle. Some examples on function elementsmay be engine, gearbox, individual wheels of the vehicle, tracks of thevehicle, individual components and actuators, subsystems such as e.g.fuel injection systems, weapons systems, etc. Every function element ofthe real vehicle may be modelled in the form of a corresponding functionmodel of the vehicle model 115 of the simulation model 110.

According to an embodiment the physical function elements wished to betrained are foremost engaged by means of imposition of hands of thepersonnel intended to utilize the training equipment 100. Examples ofsuch function elements may be e.g. gas trigger or equipment fortelemetry.

According to the embodiment described in more detail in FIG. 1 above thefirst function element 130 a is an actuator for controlling thefictitious vehicle. These actuators 130 a may e.g. be constituted by asteering wheel or a control column. The first function element 130 a iscorresponded by a first function model 130 b of the vehicle model 115.

The second function element 131 a is exemplified as a telemeter formeasuring ranges to e.g. a unit being part of the simulation relative tothe fictitious vehicle. The telemeter 131 a is hereby arranged in asuitable way for generating a range to a fictitious vehicle generated bythe actor model 127 which fictitious vehicle may be seen by practisingpersonnel on the first display screen 161 of the second user terminal160. The second function element 131 a is corresponded by a secondfunction model 131 b of the vehicle model 115.

The third function element 132 a is exemplified as a unit comprising agas trigger, e.g. in the form of an accelerator pedal, clutch pedal anda brake pedal. The third function element 132 a is corresponded by afunction model 132 b of the vehicle model 115.

In the case where a physical function unit is engaged to the firstsimulation unit 110 the corresponding function model of the vehiclemodel may be deactivated. Thereby a user of the training equipment mayuse the physical function model of e.g. the second user terminal 160while the corresponding function model is deactivated.

In the case where a physical function unit is disengaged from the firstsimulation unit 110 the corresponding function model of the vehiclemodel may be reactivated. Thereby a user of the training equipment mayuse the function model of the vehicle model in the simulation while thephysical function model of e.g. the second user terminal 160 isdisengaged.

With reference to FIG. 3 a diagram of a method of an apparatus 300 isshown. The first simulation device 110 being described with reference toFIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may in an embodiment comprise the apparatus 300. Thesecond simulation device 120 being described with reference to FIG. 1may in an embodiment comprise the device 300. Further the instructorterminal 140, the first user terminal 150 and the second user terminal160 may each comprise an apparatus 300.

Apparatus 300 comprises a non-volatile memory 320, a data processingunit 310 and a read/write memory 350. Non-volatile memory 320 has afirst memory portion 330 wherein a computer program, such as anoperating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus300. Further, apparatus 300 comprises a bus controller, a serialcommunication port, I/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry andtransmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (notshown). Non-volatile memory 320 also has a second memory portion 340.

A computer program P is provided, comprising routines for facilitatingdeactivation of a function model concerning a determined functionelement at engagement of corresponding physical function elements to thefirst simulation unit 110 according to an aspect of the invention. Theprogram P comprises routines for facilitating reactivation of thedeactivated function model at disengagement of said engaged functionelement, according to an aspect of the invention. The program may bestored in an executable manner or in a compressed state in a separatememory 360 and/or in read/write memory 350.

When it is described that data processing unit 310 performs a certainfunction it should be understood that data processing unit 310 performsa certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 360, ora certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 350.

Data processing unit 310 may communicate with a data port 399 by meansof a data bus 315. Non-volatile memory 320 is adapted for communicationwith data processing unit 310 via a data bus 312. Separate memory 360 isadapted to communicate with data processing unit 310 via a data bus 311.Read/write memory 350 is adapted to communicate with data processingdevice 310 via a data bus 314. To the data port 399 e.g. the links 129,139, 149, 159 and 169 may be connected (see FIG. 1).

When data is received on data port 399 it is temporarily stored insecond memory portion 340. When the received input data has beentemporarily stored, data processing unit 310 is set up to performexecution of code in a manner described above. According to oneembodiment, data received on data port 399 comprises control informationgenerated by a physical function element. According to an embodimentsignals received on the data port 399 comprises information about angleof steering wheel or position of gas trigger of a function element beingengaged to the first simulation unit 110. According to another examplesignals received on the data port 399 comprises information sent fromthe second simulation device 120, such as e.g. information generated bythe environment model 123 and/or actor model 127. According to anotherexample signals received on the data port 399 comprises information sentfrom the instructor unit 140, via the second simulation device 120, suchas e.g. information intended for one or several users present at thefirst user device 150 or the second user device 160.

Activation and/or deactivation and/or reactivation of an arbitraryfunction model in the vehicle model 115 may occur automatically atengagement and disengagement respectively of a corresponding physicalfunction element.

Activation and/or deactivation and/or reactivation of an arbitraryfunction model in the vehicle model 115 may be initiated manually atengagement and disengagement respectively of a corresponding physicalfunction element of e.g. an instructor using the instructor terminal140.

Hereby an operator may, by means of e.g. a computer mouse, mark on acomputer screen if a physical function element shall be simulated bymeans of a corresponding function model or if the engaged physicalfunction element shall be arranged to integrated with simulation device.

Activation and/or deactivation and/or reactivation of an arbitraryfunction model in the vehicle model 115 may be initiated manually atengagement and disengagement respectively of a corresponding physicalfunction element of e.g. a user using the first user terminal 150 or thesecond user terminal 160.

Activation and/or deactivation and/or reactivation of an arbitraryfunction model in the vehicle model 115 may be initiated manually atengagement and disengagement respectively of a corresponding physicalfunction element of e.g. an operator of the training equipment 100 usingthe first simulation device 110.

Activation and/or deactivation and/or reactivation of an arbitraryfunction model in the vehicle model 115 may be initiated automaticallyat engagement and disengagement respectively of a corresponding physicalfunction element. There is thus provided a possibility to sense andsignal that a determined function element is engaged to the simulationequipment according to the invention. This may according to an exampleoccur through so called strappings in the connector, by means of whichfunction elements are engaged. An electric circuit is closed, which maybe sensed and signalled and effectuate deactivation. This may accordingto another example occur through continuous contact with and sensing bymeans of a data bus of a network for signalling an engagement of afunction element with subsequent deactivation. Disengagement of adetermined function element is performed in a corresponding wayproviding reactivation.

Parts of the methods described herein may be performed by the apparatus300 with the help of data processing unit 310 running the program storedin memory 360 or read/write memory 350. When the apparatus 300 runs theprogram methods described herein are executed, i.e. deactivation and/orreactivation of an arbitrary function model in the vehicle model 115 maybe provided at engagement and disengagement respectively of acorresponding physical function element.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A simulation device concerning a groundvehicle, the simulation device comprising: a vehicle model comprising apredetermined number of function models configured to simulatecorresponding physical function elements of said vehicle; arrangementsconfigured to store said vehicle model and enable simulation of saidvehicle; and arrangements configured to engage physical functionelements to the simulation device, wherein said vehicle model isdeveloped during development and/or manufacturing of the vehicle,wherein said function models are based on real characteristics of thephysical function elements of the vehicle determined during developmentand/or manufacturing of said vehicle, and wherein a function modelconfigured to simulate a corresponding physical function element isconfigured to be deactivated at engagement of said correspondingphysical function element to the simulation device and reactivated atdisengagement of said corresponding physical function element from thesimulation device.
 2. A simulation device according to claim 1, whereinsaid vehicle characteristics represents real sets of values of saidcharacteristics including parameters.
 3. A simulation device accordingto claim 1, wherein each of said function elements is selected from agroup consisting of engine, gearbox, control system and weapons systemelements.
 4. A computer program for a simulation device for trainingequipment for a real ground vehicle, the simulation device comprising: avehicle model including a predetermined number of function modelsconfigured to simulate corresponding function elements of said vehicleand arrangements configured to engage physical function elements to thesimulation device, said computer program comprising program code storedon a computer-readable storage medium for causing the simulation deviceto perform the steps of: deactivating a function model configured tosimulate a corresponding physical function element at engagement of thecorresponding physical function element to the simulation device, andreactivating the deactivated function model at disengagement of saidcorresponding physical function element, wherein said vehicle model isdeveloped during development and/or manufacturing of the vehicle, andwherein said function model is based on real characteristics of thephysical function elements of the vehicle determined during developmentand/or manufacturing of said vehicle.
 5. A computer program according toclaim 4, wherein said vehicle characteristics renders real sets ofvalues of said vehicle characteristics including parameters.
 6. Acomputer program according to claim 4, wherein said function element isselected from a group consisting of engine, gearbox, control system andweapons system elements.
 7. A computer program product comprising acomputer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium forperforming, in a simulation device for training equipment for a realground vehicle, the simulation device comprising a vehicle modelincluding a predetermined number of function models for simulation ofcorresponding function elements of said vehicle and arrangementsconfigured to engage physical function elements to the simulationdevice, the steps of: deactivating a function model configured tosimulate a corresponding physical function element at engagement of thecorresponding physical function element to the simulation device, andreactivating the deactivated function model at disengagement of saidcorresponding physical function element, when said computer program isrun on the simulation device, wherein said vehicle model is developedduring development and/or manufacturing of the vehicle, and wherein saidfunction model is based on real characteristics of the physical functionelements of the vehicle determined during development and/ormanufacturing of said vehicle.
 8. A computer program product accordingto claim 7, wherein said vehicle characteristics renders real sets ofvalues of said vehicle characteristics including parameters.
 9. Acomputer program product according to claim 7, wherein said functionelement selected from a group comprising engine, gearbox, control systemand weapons system.